Okay, I’m a tech-head. I readily admit it. I’ve been playing in Windows 7 Ultimate for over 3 weeks now.
I have to say over all a VAST improvement from my limited experience from VISTA (4 months). From XP Pro, its more about power, speed and resource usage. A definite improvement on all three.
I’m not a gamer, but I am a heavy application user. I do heavy photo editing/restoration and video editing, both of which are taxing on the resources. So far, the operating system has taken it like a champ.
I like the little features like magnifier. Where I can magnify specific portions of my screen. I’m still playing with the voice recognition. I just have to be able to set it up without my dog or cat in the background talking. 🙂
The search functionality is AMAZING! I’m finding files I thought I’d lost. Now that I can tag my pictures, I can sort my 10 years worth of pictures (no, I’m not even close to being finished with that project, but I’m started).
AND, I’ve been able to fix most of my own problems through on-line searches & forums. Given the fact that the tech-support for early adopters was EXTREMELY limited, it took them 5 days to respond to my one initial question. So, the material is out there to fix most installation issues. One other handy reference, MS has a free Windows 7 netbook for Deploying Windows 7 Essential Guidance from the Windows 7 Resource Kit and TechNet Magazine. Worth the download.
This is an operating system that I believe that is intuitive enough for the most tech-phobic to be able to use. And in between.
So Far? 4 out of 5 stars. Still one star short, because I’m still working out all the features.
cre8vekaos's universe 
I’ve been hearing very good things about Windows 7. I probably won’t upgrade (too scared that things will break in the process, and things are working fine at the moment anyway)–but there’s always the next new computer we buy. My desktop XP is the oldest of the group but still running strong, so it might be a while.
I know, about the fear. My problem is that I’m a major geek and compulsive early adopter when it comes to software. It doesn’t help that I support the IT department heads at work. That only feeds my software geekiness. My brother-in-law once told me that there were very few things that couldn’t be fixed if I messed something up when it came to computers. I’ve been a wild child ever since. Of course, I back EVERYTHING up religiously too! 😉
I have a new (4 months old) laptop at home with Vista. I HATE Vista (and I am not a hater). I don’t use my laptop for too much heavy lifting. Mostly I write Word docs, edit photos, and surf. . . since my work laptop is usually on the other knee.
My question, is it worth the investment to upgrade?
Thanks for your two cents, my tech-head friend.
Depending on your version of Vista, you should have qualified for an upgrade (as long as it was Vista Home Premium and above). If not, I think the upgrade would be worth it. They’ve fixed all the resource issues and the weird pauses that Vista does. Also, where 7 puts things makes more sense. The search capability is great.
I just installed a second hard drive. It was a snap. 7’s ability to find hardware is amazing. Even when I installed 7 from XP, it startled and alarmed me how fast it formatted the drive for a clean install.
Over all, if you hate VISTA, I think the upgrade to 7 would cleanse your palate and give you a happier outlook.
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